Fumbling towards Beatitude

Brendan Quigley (l) and Frank Callaghan (r) with Bishop Nicola de Angelis of Peterborough In 2008 two friends,  alumni of Wayside Academy in Peterborough, Ontario, planned and executed a bike trip across the Australian continent, cycling through nine dioceses while begging their way in a manner reminiscent of the Ignatian pilgrimage  (of the Jesuit novitiate). They arrived 50 days later in Sydney for World Youth Day. The local newspapers covered their departure , and the young men  blogged about their great adventure, which is still a great read.  Frank and Brendan are off once more, this time planning a monumental expedition to "climb Canada", from sea level in Newfoundland to the summit of Mount Logan in the Yukon. These intrepid adventurers have been leaders in various Catholic groups and projects in their home diocese and beyond, and are an inspiration to many. They have written about their latest mission, with an appeal for support, which I append ...

Faces run headlong into the wind, Oblivious to its ferocity, Sending sonic ripples shooting into the sky, Proclaiming the innocence of Eden. Swiftly they make their way to the gates, Testing new virtue and gallantry, Parrying and thrusting in the poetry of play, Young warriors on fields of Pelennor. They gather their experiences, Spoils of war, and tuck them away, Anticipating the trials and unknowns, But conscious of deep-beauty and grandeur. The tears of loss, and cries of victory — All the breathing tangibles of existence, Are manifest here in this nondescript place, Hidden by the wayside. ("Wayside" -  2006)